Measuring device

Abstract

To provide a measuring device capable of suppressing errors in a measurement result of a solution and accurately measuring the solution.SOLUTION: The measuring device includes: storage containers for respectively storing a plurality of types of solutions; and a measuring unit for measuring the solutions supplied from the storage containers. Between the storage containers and the measuring unit, there are provided dedicated pipes connected respectively to the storage containers, and a collecting section for merging the dedicated pipes. The collecting section is connected to the measuring unit through a single common pipe.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a metering device for metering a solution used in a synthesis device for chemically synthesizing a solution. [Background technology]

[0002] In synthesizers that chemically synthesize proteins, peptides, polymers, nucleic acids, etc., chemical synthesis is performed by supplying multiple solutions (reagents) to a reaction vessel. For example, when synthesizing nucleic acids, a large number of carriers (porous beads) are placed in the reaction vessel, and while solutions are sequentially supplied to this reaction vessel, processes such as detritylation, coupling, oxidation, and capping are repeated to successively elongate the bases attached to the carriers.

[0003] Such synthesis apparatuses are provided with a metering device that measures the solution, and by supplying the solution measured by this metering device to a reaction vessel, chemical synthesis can be carried out without wasting the solution.

[0004] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5, a typical weighing device includes storage containers 911 provided for each type of solution, a measuring unit 912 that stores the solution transferred from the storage containers 911, and a weight sensor (e.g., a load cell) 913 that measures the weight of the solution supplied to the measuring unit 912. That is, when the solution stored in the storage container 911 is transferred to the measuring unit 912, it is weighed by the weight sensor 913. Here, in the weighing device 910, particularly when used in the synthesis apparatus described above, the purity of the solution is important, and in order to maintain the purity of the solution, each storage container 911 is connected to the measuring unit 912 by a pipe 921. That is, the solution stored in each storage container 911 is supplied to the measuring unit 912 through a separate, dedicated pipe 921. In this way, the solution stored in each storage container 911 is transferred to the measuring unit 912 without being mixed with other solutions (for example, see Patent Document 1 listed below). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-146136 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, there are cases where the above-mentioned weighing device 910 is unable to accurately measure the solution. That is, tension acting on the pipes 921 connecting the storage containers 911 and the measuring unit 912 can adversely affect the results of measuring the solution by the weight sensor 913, causing errors in the measurement results. In addition, in the above-mentioned weighing device 910, because all of the pipes 921 connected to the respective storage containers 911 are connected to the measuring unit 913, tension acting on the pipes has a significant adverse effect on the results of measuring the solution by the weight sensor 913, resulting in a problem of large errors in the measurement results.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and aims to provide a measuring device that can suppress errors that occur in the solution measuring results and accurately measure the solution. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The measuring device of the present invention, which solves the above-mentioned problems, is a measuring device comprising storage containers each containing a plurality of types of solution, and a measuring unit that measures the solution supplied from the storage containers, and is characterized in that, between the storage containers and the measuring unit, there are provided dedicated pipes connected to each of the storage containers, and a collecting unit that joins each of the dedicated pipes, and the collecting unit is connected to the measuring unit by a single common pipe.

[0009] According to the above-described measuring device, the dedicated pipes connected to each storage container are joined together in the converging section and connected to a single common pipe connected to the measuring section. This allows the number of pipes connected to the measuring section to be minimized, since only a single common pipe is required to supply the solution to the measuring section. This minimizes the adverse effects of tension acting on the pipes on the solution measurement results. This reduces errors in the measurement results and allows the solution to be measured accurately.

[0010] The dedicated pipes may be arranged in one direction and connected to the collecting section.

[0011] With this configuration, it is easier to access the collection point than if each dedicated pipe were connected to the collection point from multiple directions, making it easier to perform maintenance work such as cleaning the collection point.

[0012] In addition, a cleaning pipe may be provided that is connected to the storage container that stores the cleaning liquid, and the cleaning pipe may be connected to the collection section upstream of the dedicated pipe in the solution delivery direction.

[0013] This configuration allows the cleaning solution to be supplied to the collecting section from upstream of the dedicated pipes in the solution flow direction, so that the connections between each dedicated pipe and the collecting section can be thoroughly cleaned, thereby preventing different types of solutions from mixing in the measuring section.

[0014] Furthermore, an opening / closing mechanism may be provided at the connection between the dedicated pipe and the collecting section, which allows communication between the dedicated pipe and the collecting section to be established and blocked, and the opening / closing mechanism may be configured to have a valve body provided within the collecting section, a drive unit that moves the valve body, and a valve seat that is closed by the valve body.

[0015] According to this configuration, the opening and closing mechanism can switch the dedicated piping that communicates with the collection section, making it possible to send only the solution selected from multiple storage containers to the measuring section.

[0016] The valve seat may be formed flush with the inner wall surface of the collecting portion.

[0017] With this configuration, the valve seat is formed flush with the inner wall surface of the collecting section, which prevents the solution sent from another dedicated pipe from flowing into the dedicated pipe, thereby avoiding the problem of solution remaining in the dedicated pipe due to a lack of cleaning liquid being supplied. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] According to the measuring device of the present invention, it is possible to provide a measuring device that can suppress errors that occur in the measurement results of a solution and accurately measure the solution. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a synthesis device equipped with a metering device of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a collection portion in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing a variation of the opening and closing mechanism in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing a variation of the opening and closing mechanism in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 shows a synthesis device equipped with a conventional metering device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A weighing device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0021] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of a synthesis apparatus 100 equipped with a metering device 1 of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a collecting section 51 in one embodiment of the present invention. Note that, in this embodiment, an example in which the metering device 1 of the present invention is applied to the synthesis apparatus 100 will be described, but the application is not limited to the synthesis apparatus 100 and can be applied to any apparatus that requires the metering of a solution.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 1, the synthesis apparatus 100 includes a measuring device 1 for measuring a solution, a reaction vessel 21 containing a carrier (porous beads) (not shown), and a waste tank 31 for storing the solution discharged from the reaction vessel 21, all of which are connected by piping 4. The predetermined solution required for the reaction is measured by the measuring device 1, and the measured solution is sequentially supplied to the reaction vessel 21, thereby repeatedly carrying out processes such as detritylation, coupling, oxidation, and capping, thereby successively extending the bases attached to the carrier. This allows synthesis products such as peptides and nucleic acids to be produced without wasting the solution. After the reaction is complete, the solution is transferred from the reaction vessel 21 to the waste tank 31.

[0023] The measuring device 1 measures the solution required for the reaction in the reaction vessel 21, and includes a storage vessel 11 that stores the solution, and a measuring mechanism 12 that measures the solution. The measuring mechanism 12 has a measuring unit 13 that receives the solution supplied from the storage vessel 11, and a weight sensor 14 that measures the solution in the measuring unit 13, and measures the solution by using the weight sensor 14 to measure the mass of the solution supplied to the measuring unit 13.

[0024] Storage vessel 11 is for storing a solution used in chemical synthesis. A plurality of storage vessels 11 are provided to store each of the plurality of types of solutions required for the reaction in reaction vessel 21. Although only four storage vessels 11 are shown in the example of FIG. 1, many storage vessels 11 are actually provided. Each storage vessel 11 is connected to a dedicated pipe 15 for delivering the solution, and the dedicated pipes 15 are connected to a single common pipe 16 connected to measurement unit 13 via a collecting unit 51. In other words, the solution stored in storage vessel 11 is delivered to measurement unit 13 through the dedicated pipe 15, collecting unit 51, and common pipe 16.

[0025] Further, pressurizing means (gas tank) 61 is connected to storage container 11 via piping 41. When gas is supplied to storage container 11 by this pressurizing means 61 via piping 41, storage container 11 is pressurized and the solution is sent to measuring unit 13 via dedicated piping 15, collecting unit 51, and common piping 16. Furthermore, in connection unit 52, measuring device 1 is provided with an opening / closing mechanism 8 that can connect and block communication between dedicated piping 15 and collecting unit 51, and by switching dedicated piping 15 that connects to collecting unit 51 using opening / closing mechanism 8, only a solution selected from the plurality of storage containers 11 is sent to measuring unit 13. Note that the gas supplied to storage container 11 by pressurizing means 61 is a gas that does not react with the solution stored in storage container 11 (for example, an inert gas such as argon gas).

[0026] Furthermore, a measuring unit 13 is provided downstream of storage container 11. Measuring unit 13 is a container that receives the solution sent from storage container 11, and a common pipe 16 is connected to the upper end of the measuring unit 13. Furthermore, weight sensor 14 is configured as a load cell, and is connected to measuring unit 13. That is, when a solution is supplied to measuring unit 13 through common pipe 16, the weight of the solution is measured by weight sensor 14, and the solution supplied to measuring unit 13 can be weighed.

[0027] Furthermore, a pipe 42 for sending the solution after measurement is connected to the lower end of the measuring unit 13, and this pipe 42 connects the measuring unit 13 to the reaction vessel 21. That is, the solution after measurement is sent from the measuring unit 13 to the reaction vessel 21 through the pipe 42. This sending of the solution from the measuring unit 13 to the reaction vessel 21 is performed by the above-mentioned pressurizing means 61. That is, the pressurizing means 61 is connected to the measuring unit 13 through the pipe 43, and when the pressurizing means 61 supplies gas to the measuring unit 13 through the pipe 43, the measuring unit 13 is pressurized and the solution is sent to the reaction vessel 21 through the pipe 42.

[0028] A reaction vessel 21 is provided downstream of the measuring unit 13. The reaction vessel 21 serves to provide a reaction field for chemically synthesizing the supplied solution. This reaction vessel 21 is a cylindrical tube extending in one direction, and contains a large number of carriers inside. A pipe 42 is connected to the lower end of the reaction vessel 21. When a solution is supplied into the reaction vessel 21 through the pipe 42, the solution and the carrier are chemically synthesized inside, and the base attached to the carrier is elongated. As a result, a synthetic product is produced in the reaction vessel 21.

[0029] Pipe 42 is connected to pipe 44, which sends the solution to waste tank 31, via three-way valve 91. That is, the solution after the reaction is completed is discharged from reaction vessel 21 to pipe 42, and sent to waste tank 31 via pipes 42 and 44. This sending of the solution from reaction vessel 21 to waste tank 31 is performed by the above-mentioned pressurizing means 61. That is, pipe 45, which is connected to pipe 43 via three-way valve 92, is connected to the upper end of reaction vessel 21, and when gas is supplied to reaction vessel 21 via pipes 43 and 45 by pressurizing means 61, reaction vessel 21 is pressurized, and the solution is sent to waste tank 31 via pipes 42 and 44.

[0030] Furthermore, a waste liquid tank 31 is provided downstream of the reaction vessel 21. The waste liquid tank 31 is for storing the solution discharged from the reaction vessel 21. The waste liquid tank 31 is formed to have a larger capacity than the reaction vessel 21, and is formed to have a capacity that can store the solution even if it is discharged from the reaction vessel 21 multiple times.

[0031] Further, between the storage containers 11 and the measuring unit 13, there are provided dedicated pipes 15 connected to each storage container 11, and a collecting unit 51 where the dedicated pipes 15 converge, and the collecting unit 51 is connected to the measuring unit 13 by a single common pipe 16. The collecting unit 51 is for guiding the solution delivered from each storage container 11 through the dedicated pipes 15 to the single common pipe 16, which is a common pipe. The collecting unit 51 is formed in a cylindrical shape extending in one direction, and as shown in FIG. 2 , connection parts 52 to which each dedicated pipe 15 is connected and connection part 53 to which the common pipe 16 is connected are formed on the wall of the collecting unit 51. As a result, the solution delivered from each storage container 11 through the dedicated pipes 15 is once passed through the collecting unit 51 and then delivered to the measuring unit 13 through the common pipe 16. In other words, the collecting unit 51 and the common pipe 16 are shared to deliver the solution from each storage container 11 to the measuring unit 13. In the following description, the collecting section 51 and the common pipe 16, which are the parts shared for sending the solution from each storage container 11 to the measuring section 13, will be collectively referred to as the common section 7.

[0032] In the weighing device 1 of this embodiment, the number of pipes connected to the weighing unit 13 can be minimized, allowing the weight sensor 14 to accurately measure the solution. Specifically, tension acting on the pipes connected to the weighing unit 13 can adversely affect the solution measurement results obtained by the weight sensor 14, resulting in errors in the measurement results. Therefore, as the number of pipes connected to the weighing unit 13 increases, the tension acting on the pipes adversely affects the solution measurement results obtained by the weight sensor 14, resulting in larger errors in the measurement results. To minimize errors in the measurement results, it is necessary to minimize the number of pipes connected to the weighing unit 13. In contrast, in this embodiment, the dedicated pipes 15 connected to each storage container 11 are joined and connected to a single common pipe 16 connected to the weighing unit 13. This allows the weighing unit 13 to be supplied with the solution via only the single common pipe 16. This minimizes the adverse effects of tension acting on the pipes on the solution measurement results obtained by the weight sensor 14. Therefore, the weighing device 1 of this embodiment can suppress errors that occur in the weighing results and accurately weigh the solution.

[0033] In this embodiment, a cleaning liquid for cleaning the common section 7 and the measuring section 13 is stored in one of the storage containers 11. A cleaning pipe 18 provided with a valve 93 is connected to the storage container 11 (hereinafter referred to as the cleaning container 17) storing this cleaning liquid, and the cleaning pipe 18 is connected to the collecting section 51. That is, when the valve 93 is switched to an open state, the cleaning liquid is sent from the cleaning container 17 through the cleaning pipe 18 to the collecting section 51, the common pipe 16, and the measuring section 13 in this order. The cleaning liquid then comes into contact with the wall surfaces of the collecting section 51, the common pipe 16, and the measuring section 13, thereby performing cleaning. Note that the cleaning of the common section 7 and the measuring section 13 is performed when the type of solution being measured in the measuring section 13 is changed, in order to prevent different types of solutions from mixing in the measuring section 13.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 2 , the dedicated pipes 15 are connected to the collecting unit 51 in a line. That is, the sidewall of the collecting unit 51 has connection portions 52 arranged along the axial direction of the collecting unit 51, and the dedicated pipes 15 are connected to the respective connection portions 52. This makes it easier to access the collecting unit 51 than when the dedicated pipes 15 are connected to the collecting unit 51 from multiple directions, facilitating maintenance work such as cleaning the collecting unit 51. Furthermore, by flowing a cleaning solution through the collecting unit 51 along the direction in which the dedicated pipes 15 are arranged, the cleaning solution can come into contact with all of the connection portions 52, making it possible to thoroughly clean all of the connection portions 52. This prevents the solution being delivered to the measuring unit 13 from mixing with other solutions.

[0035] Furthermore, connection part 53 is formed at the lower end of collecting part 51. That is, the solution supplied to collecting part 51 is discharged from the lower end of collecting part 51 to common pipe 16. Furthermore, connection part 54 to which cleaning pipe 18 is connected is formed at the upper end of collecting part 51. That is, the solution delivered from cleaning container 17 through cleaning pipe 18 is delivered to collecting part 51 from the upper end of collecting part 51 and discharged from the lower end of collecting part 51 to common pipe 16. This allows the cleaning liquid to flow throughout collecting part 51, making it possible to thoroughly clean the inside of collecting part 51. This makes it easier to prevent the solution delivered to measuring part 13 from mixing with other solutions.

[0036] The opening / closing mechanism 8 also has a valve element 81 provided in the collecting unit 51, a drive unit 82 that moves the valve element 81, and a valve seat 83 that is closed by the valve element 81. Each of the valve element 81, drive unit 82, and valve seat 83 is provided for each connecting unit 52. That is, by moving the valve element 81 with the drive source 82 to open and close the valve member 83, it is possible to switch the dedicated pipe 15 that communicates with the collecting unit 51. This makes it possible to send only a selected solution from a plurality of storage containers 11 to the measuring unit 13.

[0037] The valve element 81 is used to close the valve seat 83, and is provided inside the collecting section 51 so as to face the valve seat 34. In this embodiment, the valve element 81 is formed in a substantially disk shape, and when the valve element 81 is pressed against the valve member 83, the valve seat 83 is closed, and the dedicated piping 15 and the collecting section 51 are cut off. The valve element 81 is also formed from a material that is chemical-resistant and elastic. As a result, when the valve element 81 is pressed against the valve seat 83, the valve element 81 deforms to conform to the shape of the valve seat 83, so that the valve element 81 is in close contact with the valve seat 83.

[0038] Drive unit 82 is a drive source for moving valve element 81 and is composed of, for example, an air cylinder or an electric motor, and is configured to linearly move shaft 84 connected to valve element 81 so as to move valve element 81 between a position where valve element 81 is pressed against valve seat 83 to close valve seat 83 and a position where valve element 81 is separated from valve seat 83 to open valve seat 83. Shaft 84 is inserted into collecting part 51 from the side wall of collecting part 51, and a ring-shaped packing (not shown) is attached to the outer periphery of shaft 84 to prevent the solution from leaking from the side wall of collecting part 51 where shaft 84 is inserted.

[0039] Valve seat 83 is a member that receives valve element 81, and in this embodiment, is formed flush with the inner wall surface of collecting section 51. That is, valve seat 83 is formed on the inner wall surface of collecting section 51 that forms the outer edge of connection section 52, and is designed to receive valve element 81 within collecting section 51. This makes it possible to prevent solution sent from another dedicated pipe 15 from flowing into dedicated pipe 15, thereby avoiding the problem of solution remaining in dedicated pipe 15 when no cleaning liquid is supplied.

[0040] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4 , if the opening / closing mechanism 8 is configured to provide a valve 86 in each dedicated pipe 15 and switch the dedicated pipe 15 communicating with the collecting section 51 using the valve 86, a liquid reservoir where the solution accumulates may be formed in a portion of the dedicated pipe 15 downstream of the valve 86 in the solution transfer direction, potentially preventing sufficient cleaning with the cleaning liquid. That is, in a portion of the dedicated pipe 15 downstream of the valve 86 in the solution transfer direction, the solution transferred therethrough may remain, or a solution transferred from another dedicated pipe 15 may flow in and remain therein, potentially preventing sufficient liquid exchange between the remaining solution and the cleaning liquid. In contrast, in this embodiment, the valve seat 83 is formed flush with the inner wall surface of the collecting section, thereby preventing the formation of the liquid reservoir in the dedicated pipe 15. This prevents the solution from remaining in the liquid reservoir in the dedicated pipe 15, thereby preventing different types of solutions from mixing in the collecting section 51.

[0041] As described above, according to the weighing device 1 of the above embodiment, the dedicated pipes 15 connected to each storage container 11 are joined by the collecting section 51 and connected to the single common pipe 16 connected to the measuring section 13. This allows the single common pipe 16 to be the only pipe connected to supply the solution to the measuring section 13, thereby minimizing the number of pipes connected to the measuring section 13. This minimizes the adverse effects of tension acting on the pipes on the solution measurement results. This reduces errors in the measurement results and allows the solution to be measured accurately.

[0042] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the cleaning pipe 18 is connected to the upper end of the collecting part 51, but this is not limiting, and the cleaning pipe 18 may be connected to the collecting part 51 upstream of the dedicated pipe 15 in the solution sending direction. In this case, the cleaning liquid can be supplied to the collecting part 51 from upstream of the dedicated pipe 15 in the solution sending direction, so that the cleaning liquid can come into contact with all of the connecting parts 52, and all of the connecting parts 52 can be cleaned without leaving any behind.

[0043] In the above embodiment, the valve element 81 is formed from a chemical-resistant and elastic material. However, the valve element 81 need not necessarily be elastic as long as it can close the valve seat 83 when pressed against it. As shown in FIG. 3 , the opening / closing mechanism 8 may further include a deformable diaphragm 85. The diaphragm 85 is provided on the side wall of the assembly portion 51 into which the shaft 84 is inserted, and is configured to deform in accordance with the movement of the valve element 81 by the drive unit 82. When the drive unit 82 presses the valve element 81 against the valve seat 83 to a position where the valve seat 83 is closed, the valve element 81 is pressed against the valve seat 83 via the deformed diaphragm 85, thereby closing the valve seat 83. By pressing the valve element 81 against the valve seat 83 via the deformable diaphragm 85 in this way, the diaphragm 85 deforms to conform to the shapes of the valve element 81 and the valve seat 83, thereby improving the tightness of contact between the valve element 81 and the valve seat 83. Furthermore, since the diaphragm 85 is provided on the side wall of the collecting part 51 into which the shaft 84 is inserted, it is possible to prevent the solution from leaking out from the side wall of the collecting part 51 into which the shaft 84 is inserted.

[0044] In the above embodiment, the opening / closing mechanism 8 is configured with the valve body 81, the drive unit 82, and the valve seat 83, but is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Fig. 4, a valve 86 may be provided midway through each dedicated pipe 15, and the valve 86 may be used to switch between the dedicated pipes 15 that communicate with the collection unit 51.

[0045] The above describes the embodiments of the present invention in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the configurations and combinations thereof in each embodiment are merely examples, and additions, omissions, substitutions, and other modifications of the configurations are possible within the scope that does not deviate from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0046] 100 Synthesizer 1 Weighing device 11 Containment vessel 12 Metering mechanism 13 Measuring part 14 Weight sensor 15 Dedicated piping 16 Common piping 17 Cleaning container 18 Cleaning piping 21 Reaction vessel 31 Waste liquid tank 4 Piping 51 Gathering area 52 Connection 53 Connection 54 Connection 61 Pressurizing means 7 Common areas 8 Opening and closing mechanism 81 Valve body 82 Drive unit 83 Valve seat 84 Shaft 85 diaphragm 86 Valve 91 Three-way valve 92 Three-way valve 93 Valve

Claims

1. storage containers for storing a plurality of types of solutions, a measuring unit that measures the solution supplied from the storage container, Between the storage container and the measuring unit, dedicated piping connected to each of the storage containers; a collecting section that joins the dedicated pipes, The measuring device is characterized in that the collecting section is connected to the measuring section by a single common pipe.

2. 2. The weighing device according to claim 1, wherein the dedicated pipes are arranged in one direction and connected to the collecting section.

3. a cleaning pipe connected to the container for storing a cleaning liquid; 3. The measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning pipe is connected to the collecting section upstream of the dedicated pipe in the solution sending direction.

4. an opening / closing mechanism that can connect and block the dedicated pipe and the collecting section is provided at a connection between the dedicated pipe and the collecting section, 3. The weighing device according to claim 1, wherein the opening and closing mechanism includes a valve body provided in the collecting section, a drive unit that moves the valve body, and a valve seat that is closed by the valve body.

5. 5. The measuring device according to claim 4, wherein the valve seat is formed flush with an inner wall surface of the collecting portion.

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